Apparatus and Method for Conducting Hot Work

ABSTRACT

In the specification and drawings, an apparatus for conducting hot work is described and shown with an enclosure; a hot work apparatus operable within the enclosure; and a detector located exterior of the enclosure, the detector being in detecting communication with the interior of the enclosure, such that the detector detects the presence of a condition within the enclosure. A method of conducting hot work is also described and shown.

I. CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/240,614 filed on Apr. 26, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/579,780 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,989,477) filed onDec. 22, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/412,197 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,947,249) filed on Mar. 26, 2009, each ofwhich are incorporated by reference herein.

II. BACKGROUND A. Technical Field

An embodiment described herein is an apparatus and method for conductinghot work.

B. Background Art

An embodiment of an apparatus and method for conducting hot work isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,054 to Pregeant, Jr. et al., U.S. Pat.No. 7,397,361 to Paulsen, U.S. Pat. No. 7,091,848 to Albarado, and U.S.Pat. No. 7,193,501 to Albarado, et al., each of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

III. BRIEF SUMMARY

An embodiment can be an apparatus for conducting hot work comprising: anenclosure; a hot work apparatus operable within the enclosure; and adetector located exterior of the enclosure, the detector being indetecting communication with the interior of the enclosure, such thatthe detector detects the presence of a condition within the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the hot work apparatus is shutdown in response to the detector detecting the presence of apredetermined condition within the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a housing locatedadjacent to the enclosure, the interior of the housing being fluidlyconnected to the interior of the enclosure, the detector being fluidlyconnected to the interior of the housing.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a gap between thehousing and the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the housing is not in contactwith the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the housing is portable.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a stand attached tothe housing.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a damper attachedto the housing.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the detector comprises a firstcombustible gas detector.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising: an oxygen detectorfluidly connected to the interior of the housing; and a pressuredetector fluidly connected to the interior of the housing.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein at least one of the firstcombustible gas detector, the oxygen detector and the pressure detectoris located exterior of the housing.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising: a blower assemblyin fluid communication with the interior of the enclosure; a secondcombustible gas detector located so as to detect the presence of acombustible gas in or near to an air intake of the blower assembly; amanual shutdown switch located within the enclosure; and a controller incommunication with the first combustible gas detector, the secondcombustible gas detector, the oxygen detector, the pressure detector andthe manual shutdown switch, the controller being in communication withthe hot work apparatus and capable of controlling the operation of thehot work apparatus in response to a signal received from at least one ofthe first combustible gas detector, the second combustible gas detector,the oxygen detector, the pressure detector and the manual shutdownswitch.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the hot work apparatuscomprises a welding apparatus.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising an apertureextending from the interior of the enclosure to the exterior of theenclosure, the detector being fluidly connected to the interior of theenclosure through the aperture.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a conduit betweenthe aperture and the detector.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a blower assemblyin fluid communication with the interior of the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a positive pressureatmosphere within the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a second detectorfor detecting a condition exterior the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the detector comprises acombustible gas detector.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the combustible gas detectoris fluidly connected to the interior of the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the combustible gas detectoris in light communication with the interior of the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the combustible gas detectoris in infrared light communication with the interior of the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the combustible gas detectoris in light communication with air transferred from the interior of theenclosure to the exterior of the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the combustible gas detectoris in infrared light communication with air transferred from theinterior of the enclosure to the exterior of the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus for conducting hot work comprising: anenclosure; a blower assembly in fluid communication with the interior ofthe enclosure; and a means for detecting the presence of combustible gasthat is within the enclosure by sampling air that is not within theenclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the air that is not within theenclosure has been transferred from the interior of the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a welding apparatusoperable within the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a positive pressureatmosphere within the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the means for detecting thepresence of combustible gas that is within the enclosure by sampling airthat is not within the enclosure comprises a combustible gas detectorlocated exterior of the enclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus for conducting hot work comprising: anenclosure; a first combustible gas detector for detecting combustiblegas within the enclosure; an oxygen detector for detecting oxygen withinthe enclosure; and a pressure detector for detecting pressure within theenclosure, at least one of the first combustible gas detector, theoxygen detector and the pressure detector being located exterior of theenclosure.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising: a blower assemblyin fluid communication with the interior of the enclosure; a secondcombustible gas detector located so as to detect the presence of acombustible gas in or near to an air intake of the blower assembly; awelding apparatus operable with the enclosure, the operation of thewelding apparatus being controllable in response to a signal generatedby at least one of the first combustible gas detector, the secondcombustible gas detector, the oxygen detector and the pressure detector.

An embodiment can be an apparatus for conducting hot work comprising: anenclosure; a welding apparatus operable at least partially within theenclosure; a blower assembly in fluid communication with the interior ofthe enclosure; a manual shutdown switch in communication with thewelding apparatus; an oxygen detector fluidly connected to the interiorof the enclosure and in communication with the welding apparatus; apressure detector fluidly connected to the interior of the enclosure andin communication with the welding apparatus; and a combustible gasdetector located exterior of the enclosure, the combustible gas detectorbeing fluidly connected to the interior of the enclosure such that thecombustible gas detector detects the presence of a combustible gaswithin the enclosure, the combustible gas detector being incommunication with the welding apparatus.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the welding apparatus is shutdown in response to a signal generated by at least one of the oxygendetector, the pressure detector and the combustible gas detector.

An embodiment can be a method of terminating hot work within anenclosure comprising: conducting hot work within an enclosure;transferring air from the interior of the enclosure to the exterior ofthe enclosure; sampling the air transferred from the interior of theenclosure for the presence of combustible gas; and terminating the hotwork within the enclosure in response to detection of a level ofcombustible gas in the air transferred from the interior of theenclosure to the exterior of the enclosure.

An embodiment can be a method further comprising producing a positivepressure atmosphere within the enclosure.

An embodiment can be a method wherein producing a positive pressureatmosphere within the enclosure further comprises transferring air fromthe exterior of the enclosure to the interior of the enclosure.

An embodiment can be a method wherein terminating hot work within theenclosure in response to detection of a level of combustible gas in theair transferred from the interior of the enclosure further comprisesterminating hot work within the enclosure in response to detection of alevel of combustible gas above a predefined level.

An embodiment can be a method wherein the predefined level is at most25% of the lower explosive limit of the combustible gas.

An embodiment can be a method further comprising forming the enclosureat a location where hot work is to be conducted on a production platformthat drills for flammable materials.

An embodiment can be a method further comprising: conducting drillingoperations for flammable materials on the production platform; andterminating drilling operations in response to detection of a level ofcombustible gas in the air transferred from the interior of theenclosure.

An embodiment can be a method further comprising sampling the airtransferred from the interior of the enclosure for the presence of alevel of oxygen.

An embodiment can be a method wherein the conducting hot work within anenclosure further comprises conducting welding within the enclosure.

An embodiment can be a method of detecting a combustible gas entering anenclosure by detecting a pressure drop in the atmosphere within theenclosure comprising: transferring air from the exterior of theenclosure to the interior of the enclosure; detecting a level ofcombustible gas in or near to a source of the air transferred from theexterior of the enclosure to the interior of the enclosure; stopping thetransferring of air from the exterior of the enclosure to the interiorof the enclosure in response to the detecting a level of combustiblegas; and detecting a pressure drop in the atmosphere within theenclosure so as to detect a combustible gas entering the enclosure.

An embodiment can be a method further comprising conducting hot work inthe enclosure.

An embodiment can be a method further comprising terminating the hotwork in the enclosure in response to the detecting a pressure drop inthe atmosphere within the enclosure.

An embodiment can be a method further comprising transmitting a signalto a controller in response to the detecting a pressure drop in theatmosphere within the enclosure.

An embodiment can be a method further comprising transmitting a signalfrom a controller to a power source of the hot work.

An embodiment can be a method wherein terminating the hot work furthercomprises terminating the hot work in response to a signal from thecontroller.

An embodiment can be an apparatus for conducting hot work comprising: anenclosure; a hot work apparatus operable within the enclosure; a blowerassembly in fluid communication with the interior of the enclosure; anda detector located so as to detect the presence of a condition in ornear to an air intake of the blower assembly, the detector being incommunication with the blower assembly, the detector being isolated fromthe hot work apparatus.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a first controller,the first controller being in communication with the hot work apparatus,the first controller being isolated from the blower assembly.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a pressure detectorfluidly connected to the interior of the enclosure, the pressuredetector being in communication with the hot work apparatus.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the pressure detector isisolated from the blower assembly.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising a secondcontroller, the second controller being in communication with the blowerassembly, the second controller being in communication with thedetector.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising: a firstcontroller, the first controller being in communication with the hotwork apparatus, the first controller being isolated from the blowerassembly; and a pressure detector fluidly connected to the interior ofthe enclosure, the pressure detector being in communication with thefirst controller.

An embodiment can be an apparatus wherein the detector comprises acombustible gas detector located so as to detect the presence of a levelof combustible gas in or near to an air intake of the blower assembly.

An embodiment can be an apparatus further comprising: an oxygen detectorlocated so as to detect the presence of a level of oxygen in or near toan air intake of the blower assembly, the oxygen detector being incommunication with the blower assembly, the oxygen detector beingisolated from the hot work apparatus; and a carbon monoxide detectorlocated so as to detect the presence of a level of carbon monoxide in ornear to an air intake of the blower assembly, the carbon monoxidedetector being in communication with the blower assembly, the carbonmonoxide detector being isolated from the hot work apparatus.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustratedembodiment or every possible implementation. The figures and thedetailed description which follow exemplify these embodiments.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side section view of an embodiment described herein.

FIG. 2 is a side section view of an embodiment described herein.

FIG. 3 is a side section view of an embodiment described herein.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment described herein.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment described herein.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an embodiment described herein.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS DEPICTED IN THE DRAWINGS

As shown in the accompanying drawings, an embodiment is an apparatus andmethod for conducting hot work. As shown in FIG. 1 , an embodiment canhave an enclosure 10. The enclosure 10 can have a plurality of sidesthat define the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 and surround a hot workapparatus 12 that is operable within the interior 14 of the enclosure10. The sides of the enclosure 10 can include ceiling 16, floor 18, leftwall 20, right wall 22, rear wall 24 and a front wall (not shown). Thesides of the enclosure 10 can be made of materials such as wood, flameresistant plywood, fabric, metal, fiberglass, and/or any other suitablematerials. In an embodiment, sides, such as the floor and/or walls, canbe flame resistant plywood that is lined on the interior side with sheetmetal, such as aluminum or steel sheet metal. As opposed to or inaddition to sheet metal, the sides can be lined with one or more weldingblankets. In an embodiment, the floor and a portion of the wallsbeginning at the floor and extending upwards about six inches can belined with one or more welding blankets. An example of a welding blanketis sold as item number CF16 under the trademark PANTHERFELT. In anembodiment, the enclosure 10 can be formed at locations such as a worksite, a petroleum plant, a chemical plant, a pipeline and/or aproduction platform. In an embodiment, a production platform can be adrilling rig that drills for flammable materials, such as a drillingplatform that drills into the earth for hydrocarbons. The enclosure 10can also be formed at other locations, such as any location where itcould be desirable to permanently or temporarily isolate hot work withinthe enclosure 10. A scaffolding framework can be formed around theenclosure 10 such that the scaffolding framework provides support forthe enclosure 10 and secures the position of the enclosure 10. Thescaffolding framework can be made of materials such as wood, metal,plastic or any other suitable materials. In an embodiment, thescaffolding framework can be made of fire retardant wooden two-by-foursand/or conventional metal scaffolding.

In an embodiment, the enclosure 10 can be formed adjacent to flammablematerials, such as hydrocarbons contained in tanks, pipes or otherstructures. Hot work can be conducted within the enclosure so that thehot work is isolated from the flammable materials. Hot work is work thatproduces a source of ignition, such as arcs, sparks or flames. The hotwork can be conducted within the enclosure 10 by apparatus such as anarc welder, mig welder, tig welder, cutting torch, grinder, analyzingequipment, spectrometer and/or other apparatuses which can produce asource of ignition.

The sides of the enclosure 10 can have openings that allow objects, suchas pipes, decking, cables or other objects to pass through the sides ofthe enclosure 10. The openings can be formed by cutting the opening intoa side of the enclosure 10 when the enclosure 10 is being formed, or byforming the sides of the enclosure around such objects. Any remaininggaps between the sides of the enclosure 10 and the object can be sealedwith a material such as fire resistant caulk or metal tape.

In an embodiment, a positive pressure atmosphere is within the enclosure10. The positive pressure atmosphere can be produced within theenclosure 10 by transferring air from the exterior of the enclosure 10to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10. In the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , air is transferred from the exterior of the enclosure10 to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 by a blower assembly 25 (shownin schematic in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 ), which can include blower 26. Theblower 26 can be any device that is capable of producing a flow of air,such as a fan, a ducted fan, a compressed air source, such as an aircompressor and/or a compressed air tank, an air pump and/or any othersuitable device. In an embodiment, the blower 26 can be an electric,hydraulic or pneumatic blower. An example of a blower is an Air MAX-12,produced by COPPUS. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 ,the blower 26 is in fluid communication with the interior of theenclosure 10 by way of duct 28. An air intake 30 of the blower 26 can belocated at an area believed to be free of combustible gases, such asunclassified area of a drilling platform. In operation, air istransferred from the exterior of the enclosure 10 to the interior 14 ofthe enclosure 10 by passing through air intake 30 traveling through duct28 and into the enclosure 10 at inlet aperture 32.

Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , a positive pressureatmosphere within the enclosure 10 can cause air to be transferred fromthe interior 14 of the enclosure 10 to the exterior of the enclosure 10by passing through an aperture, such as outlet aperture 34, whichextends from the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 to the exterior of theenclosure 10. As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3 , theoutlet aperture 34 can be approximately the same size as inlet aperture32. In an embodiment, the outlet aperture 34 can be larger or smallerthan the inlet aperture 32. As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG.3 , a grill 36, such as a spark arresting filter, can be placed acrossoutlet aperture 34. In an embodiment, the spark arresting filter caninclude a Flame Gard 1 produced by FLAME GARD. The grill 36 can hamperor prevent sources of ignition, such as sparks that can be created byhot work, from passing through the outlet aperture 34. One or moregrills can also be placed across other apertures that may exist in thesides of the enclosure 10 or the housing 38.

Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 , a housing 38 can belocated adjacent to the enclosure 10. The housing 38 can have aplurality of housing sides that define the interior 42 of the housing38. The housing sides of the housing 38 can include housing ceiling 44,housing floor 46, housing left wall 48, housing right wall 50, housingrear wall 52 and a housing front wall (not shown). A housing side ofhousing 38 can have an aperture, such as a housing inlet aperture 40,located adjacent to outlet aperture 34 so as to allow a fluid connectionbetween the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 and the interior 42 of thehousing 38. The housing inlet aperture 40 can be approximately the samesize as the outlet aperture 34 of the enclosure. The housing inletaperture 40 can also be larger (see FIG. 1 ) or smaller than the outletaperture 34. Housing 38 can also have a damper 54 attached to thehousing 38. The damper 54 can provide an aperture that allows air to betransferred from the interior 42 of the housing 38 to the exterior ofthe housing 38 by passing through damper 54. The damper 54 can be adevice such as a louver or valve and can have adjustable vents that canallow the flow of air through the damper 54 to be regulated. Airtransferred from the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 to the interior 42of the housing 38 can create a positive pressure atmosphere within thehousing 38. The pressure level of a positive pressure atmosphere withinthe enclosure 10 and the housing 38 can be regulated or partiallyregulated by adjusting the vents of the damper 54. For example, toincrease the pressure level of the positive pressure atmosphere withinthe enclosure 10 and the housing 38, the vents of the damper 54 could beclosed or partially closed. To decrease the pressure level of thepositive pressure atmosphere within the enclosure 10 and the housing 38,the vents of the damper 54 could be opened or partially opened. In anembodiment, the damper 54 can include a grill, such as a spark arrestingfilter. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3 , although some airmay spill out of gap 56 between the housing 38 and the enclosure 10,adjusting the vents of the damper 54 can still have an effect on thepressure level of the positive pressure atmosphere within the enclosure10 when the housing inlet aperture 40 is placed sufficiently near theoutlet aperture 34 of the enclosure 10.

In an embodiment the positive pressure atmosphere within the enclosure10 causes air to be transferred from the interior 14 of the enclosure 10to the exterior of the enclosure 10 and into the interior 42 of thehousing 38, and then from the interior 42 of the housing 38 to theexterior of the housing 38. In an embodiment, an air moving device, suchas a fan, can be positioned at a location such as in or adjacent tooutlet aperture 34, housing inlet aperture 40, conduit 58 (discussedbelow) and/or damper 54. The air moving device can cause air to betransferred from the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 to the exterior ofthe enclosure 10 and into the interior 42 of the housing 38, and thenfrom the interior 42 of the housing 38 to the exterior of the housing38.

Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the housing 38is not in contact with the enclosure 10 and can have a gap 56 betweenthe housing 38 and the enclosure 10. In the embodiment depicted in FIG.2 , a conduit 58, such as ductwork, tubing or pipe, connects the housing38 to the enclosure 10. The conduit 58 can be connected to the enclosure10 by any means in the art. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , a flange59 can connect the conduit 58 to an exterior of a wall of the enclosure10. Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , a stand60 is attached to the housing 38. The stand 60 can be placed on afoundation, such as a deck of a drilling platform. The stand 60 can alsobe secured to the foundation which can increase stability. The housing38 can be portable and can be moved to different locations that can beadjacent to an aperture in the sides of the enclosure 10. For example,an aperture can be drilled, cut or otherwise formed in a side of theenclosure 10 at a location so as to position a hot work apparatus 12that is operable within the enclosure 10, generally in a line betweeninlet aperture 32 and outlet aperture 34. The housing 38 can then beplaced so that housing inlet aperture 40 is adjacent to outlet aperture34. If the location of the hot work within the enclosure 10 is changed,a new aperture can be formed in a side of the enclosure 10 at a locationso as to position the hot work generally in a line between inletaperture 32 and the newly formed aperture. The housing 38 can then bemoved and placed in a location so that housing inlet aperture 40 isadjacent to the newly formed aperture. The housing 38 can also be movedto different locations on a drilling platform or different work sites.

Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , detectors62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78 and 80 are located exterior of theenclosure 10. Detectors 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78 and 80 are indetecting communication with the interior 14 of the enclosure 10, suchthat the detectors detect the presence of a condition within theenclosure 10. In an embodiment, the presence of a condition can includedetecting conditions such as a level of toxic gas, a level ofcombustible gas, a level of oxygen, a level of carbon monoxide, a levelof hydrogen sulfide and/or other gases. The presence of a condition canalso include detecting conditions such as a level of pressure, humidity,temperature and/or any other condition. As an example, the detectors canbe mechanical, solid-state, chemical, electrochemical, electric,optical, infrared, photoionization, catalytic bead and/or any other typeof detector. Depending on the detectors selected, the detectors canperform the detection function in various ways, for example by airsampling, pressure sensing, light absorption or any other way.

In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3 , detectors 62, 64 and 66are located exterior of the enclosure 10 and exterior of the housing 38,and are in detecting communication with the interior 14 of the enclosure10 by being fluidly connected to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10.Detectors 62, 64 and 66 are fluidly connected to the interior 14 of theenclosure 10 by being fluidly connected to the interior 42 of thehousing 38, which is itself fluidly connected to the interior 14 of theenclosure 10. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 , detectors 68, 70and 72 are located exterior of the enclosure 10 and within the interior42 of the housing 38, and are in detecting communication with theinterior 14 of the enclosure 10 by being fluidly connected to theinterior 14 of the enclosure 10. Detectors 68, 70 and 72 are fluidlyconnected to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 by being fluidlyconnected to the interior 42 of the housing 38, which is itself fluidlyconnected to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10. Still referring to theembodiment depicted in FIG. 2 , detectors 74, 76 and 78 are locatedexterior of the enclosure 10 and are attached to the exterior side ofright wall 22, and are in detecting communication with the interior 14of the enclosure 10 by being fluidly connected to the interior 14 of theenclosure 10 through apertures in right wall 22. Detector 80 is attachedto the exterior side of right wall 22 and is in detecting communicationwith the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 by being in light communicationwith the interior 14 of the enclosure through a glass window 82 in rightwall 22.

Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , detectors62, 68, 74 and 80 can be combustible gas detectors. In an embodiment, acombustible gas detector can be any device that is capable of detectingcombustible gas. An example of a combustible gas detector is a matchedpair catalytic bead detector, such as model number FP-524C produced byDETCON Incorporated. The combustible gas detectors can detect thepresence of combustible gases, such as fuel gases and/or hydrocarbongases. Combustible gas detectors 62, 68 and 74 can be fluidly connectedto the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 and can sample air transferredfrom the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 to the exterior of theenclosure 10 for the presence of combustible gas. By sampling airtransferred from the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 to the exterior ofthe enclosure 10, the combustible gas detector can detect the presenceof combustible gas within the enclosure 10. Another combustible gasdetector 86 can be located so as to detect the presence of a combustiblegas in or near to the air intake 30 of the blower 26. As used herein, adetector, such as combustible gas detector 86, is located so as todetect the presence of a condition, such as combustible gas, near to theair intake 30 of the blower 26 if the detector is capable of detecting acondition that is more likely than not to be transferred into the airintake 30 of the blower 26.

Referring to FIG. 2 , detector 80 can be an infrared detector, such asan infrared combustible gas detector. An example of an infraredcombustible gas detector is produced by DETCON Inc. under the modelnumber IR-622. An infrared combustible gas detector 80 can be locatedexterior of the enclosure 10 and can transmit infrared light into theinterior 14 of the enclosure 10, such as through a glass window 82formed in a side of the enclosure 10. A mirror 84 can be placed withinthe enclosure 10 such that light transmitted by the infrared combustiblegas detector 80 can reflect off of the mirror 84 and return to theinfrared combustible gas detector 80. Since combustible gases such ascombustible hydrocarbon gases can have different infrared absorptionspectra, the infrared combustible gas detector can analyze the reflectedinfrared light to detect the presence of combustible hydrocarbon gaswithin the enclosure 10. In an embodiment, an infrared combustible gasdetector can be located in or adjacent to housing 38 so as to be ininfrared light communication with air transferred from the interior 14of the enclosure 10 to the exterior of the enclosure 10. By sampling airtransferred from the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 to the exterior ofthe enclosure 10, the infrared combustible gas detector can detect thepresence of combustible gas within the enclosure 10.

Referring still to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 ,detectors 64, 70, and 76 can be oxygen detectors and/or carbon monoxidedetectors. In an embodiment, the oxygen detectors and/or carbon monoxidedetectors can be any device that is capable of detecting oxygen and/orcarbon monoxide. An example of an oxygen detector is a galvanic metalair battery detector, such as model number DM-534 produced by DETCONIncorporated. An example of a carbon monoxide detector is anelectrochemical fuel cell detector, such as model number DM-500IS-COproduced by DETCON Incorporated. Oxygen and/or carbon monoxide detectors64, 70 and 76 can be fluidly connected to the interior 14 of theenclosure 10 and can sample air transferred from the interior 14 of theenclosure 10 to the exterior of the enclosure 10. By sampling airtransferred from the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 to the exterior ofthe enclosure 10, the oxygen and/or carbon monoxide detectors can detectthe presence of oxygen and/or carbon monoxide within the enclosure 10.

Referring still to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 ,detectors 66, 72 and 78 can be pressure detectors. The pressuredetectors can be any device that is capable of detecting pressure and/ora change in pressure. An example of pressure detector is model number616D produced by DWYER. Pressure detectors 64, 70 and 76 can be fluidlyconnected to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 and can detect a levelof pressure in the atmosphere within the interior 14 of the enclosure 10and/or a pressure drop in the atmosphere within the interior 14 of theenclosure 10. Since pressure detectors 66 and 72 are fluidly connectedto the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 by being fluidly connected to theinterior 42 of the housing 38, pressure detectors 66 and 72 can detect alevel of pressure in the atmosphere within the enclosure 10 and/or apressure drop in the atmosphere within the enclosure 10 by detecting alevel of pressure in the atmosphere within the housing 38 and/or apressure drop in the atmosphere within the housing 38.

In an embodiment, one or more detectors can be located so as to detectthe presence of a condition in or near to the air intake 30 of theblower 26. In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , detector 86can be a combustible gas detector, detector 96 can be a carbon monoxidedetector and detector 98 can be an oxygen detector. In an embodiment, acombustible gas detector, an oxygen detector, a carbon monoxide detectorand a hydrogen sulfide detector can be located so as to detect thepresence of a condition in or near to the air intake 30 of the blower26; in addition, an oxygen detector, a carbon monoxide detector, ahydrogen sulfide detector and a pressure detector can be in detectingcommunication with the interior 14 of the enclosure 10.

Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , each ofdetectors 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 86, 96 and 98 arelocated exterior of the enclosure 10. In another embodiment, one ormore, or each of detectors 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 86,96 and 98, can be located within the interior 14 of the enclosure 10. Itshould also be understood that the conditions detected and thedetectors, including the number and/or type of detectors describedherein, are exemplary of numerous conditions, detectors andconfigurations that may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

One or more of detectors 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 86, 96and 98 can be in communication, such as wired or wireless communication,with a hot work apparatus 12, such as a power source of the hot workapparatus. In response to one or more of detectors 62, 64, 66, 68, 70,72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 86, 96 and 98 detecting the presence of a condition,the detector can generate a signal that is transmitted to the hot workapparatus so as to terminate the hot work and/or cause the hot workapparatus to shut down. For example, the detectors can generate a signalin response to detecting the presence of a predetermined condition, suchas a predefined level of oxygen, combustible gas, carbon monoxide,hydrogen sulfide, pressure and/or other conditions. In an embodiment apredefined level of oxygen can be a trace amount of oxygen that is at ornear the detection capabilities of the detector. In another embodiment,the predefined level of oxygen can be a level of oxygen below 19.5%and/or above 23.5%.

As an additional example, detectors 62, 68 and 74 can generate a signalthat is capable of terminating hot work within the enclosure in responseto detecting the presence of a predetermined condition, such as apredefined level of combustible gas in the air transferred from theinterior 14 of the enclosure 10 to the exterior of the enclosure 10. Inan embodiment, the predefined level of combustible gas can be a traceamount of combustible gas that is at or near the detection capabilitiesof the detector. In another embodiment, the predefined level ofcombustible gas can be a percentage of the lower explosive limit of thecombustible gas. The predefined level can be percentages such as 5%,10%, 15%, 20% or 25% of the lower explosive limit of the combustiblegas. The lower explosive limit (also known as the lower flammable limit)is the leanest percentage of combustible gas mixed with air that isexplosive. Examples of possible lower explosive limits of some gases areprovided in the following chart:

“Lower Explosive or Flammable Limit” GAS (LEL/LFL) / (%) Acetaldehyde 4Acetone 2.6 Acetylene 2.5 Ammonia 15 Arsine 5.1 Benzene 1.35 n-Butane1.86 iso-Butane 1.80 iso-Butene 1.8 Butylene 1.98 Carbon Disulfide 1.3Carbon Monoxide 12 Cyclohexane 1.3 Cycloproprane 2.4 Diethyl Ether 1.9Ethane 3 Ethylene 2.75 Ethyl Alcohol 3.3 Ethyl Chloride 3.8 Fuel Oil No.1 0.7 Hydrogen 4 Isobutane 1.8 Isopropyl Alcohol 2 Gasoline 1.4 Kerosine0.7 Methane 5 Methyl Alcohol 6.7 Methyl Chloride 10.7 Methyl EthylKetone 1.8 Naphthalene 0.9 n-Heptane 1.0 n-Hexane 1.25 n-Pentene 1.65Neopentane 1.38 Neohexane 1.19 n-Octane 0.95 iso-Octane 0.79 n-Pentane1.4 iso-Pentane 1.32 Propane 2.1 Propylene 2.0 Silane 1.5 Styrene 1.1Toluene 1.27 Triptane 1.08 p-Xylene 1.0

In an embodiment, a detector generates a signal in response to thedetector detecting a level of combustible gas of at most 25% of thelower explosive limit of the combustible gas. For example, referring tothe chart above it can be seen that methane has a lower explosive limitof 5%. 25% of the lower explosive limit of methane would be 1.25%methane mixed in air. In this embodiment, the detector would notgenerate a signal that caused the hot work within the enclosure toterminate until the detector detected a concentration of methane in airof 1.25%.

As opposed to, or in addition to, being in communication with the hotwork apparatus 12, one or more of detectors 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74,76, 78, 80, 86, 96 and 98, such as combustible gas detector 86, carbonmonoxide detector 96 and oxygen detector 98, can be in communicationwith the blower assembly 25. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 ,detectors 86, 96 and 98 can be isolated from the hot work apparatus 12and can be in communication with the blower assembly 25, such as theblower 26 and/or a shut off valve of the blower assembly 25 that can belocated within duct 28. As the term “isolated” is used herein, a firstcomponent, such as detectors 86, 96 and/or 98 is isolated from a secondcomponent, such as hot work apparatus 12 and/or a controller (describedbelow) if the first and second component are not directly or indirectlyin wired or wireless communication with each other. As used herein, afirst component is indirectly in wired or wireless communication with asecond component if one or more additional components interconnect thefirst component and the second component by wired or wirelesscommunication. For example, if a first component is in direct wiredcommunication with a controller, and the controller is in direct wiredcommunication with a second component, then the first and secondcomponent are in indirect wired communication with each other. As usedherein, wireless communication is defined as communication viaelectromagnetic radiation, such as radio waves, infrared light and/orany other form of electromagnetic radiation. In response to detecting alevel of combustible gas, a level of carbon monoxide and/or a level ofoxygen in or near to a source of air transferred from the exterior ofthe enclosure 10 to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10, detector 86, 96and/or 98 can generate a signal which causes the transfer of air fromthe exterior of the enclosure 10 to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10to be stopped, such as by shutting down the blower 26 of the blowerassembly 25 and/or closing the shut off valve of the blower assembly 25and diverting or blocking the flow of air through duct 28. The transferof air from the exterior of the enclosure 10 to the interior 14 of theenclosure 10 could, for example, be stopped by transmitting a signal toa switch of the blower assembly 25, such as an interface relay. Anexample of an interface relay is model number 750XBXH-24D produced byMAGNECRAFT.

One or more of detectors 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 86, 96and 98 can be in communication, such as wired or wireless communication,with a controller 88. As shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 ,each of the detectors can be in communication with the controller 88.The controller can include devices such as a computer, a programmablelogic controller or any other suitable device. An example of acontroller is a model number S7200 programmable logic controllerproduced by SIEMENS. The controller 88 can be located in the interior 14of the enclosure 10 or can be located exterior of the enclosure 10. Inan embodiment, the controller 88 can be attached to housing 38. Thecontroller 88 can receive signals generated by one or more of detectors62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 86, 96 and 98 in response to thedetectors detecting the presence of a condition. The controller can thenprocess the signals received from the detectors and can generate asecond signal which is transmitted to the hot work apparatus 12 andterminates the hot work and/or causes the hot work apparatus 12 to shutdown. For example, detectors 62, 68 and 74 can generate an input signalin response to detecting the presence of a predetermined condition, suchas a predefined level of combustible gas in the air transferred from theinterior 14 of the enclosure 10 to the exterior of the enclosure 10. Theinput signal can be transmitted to the controller 88, which can processthe input signal. The controller 88 can then transmit an output signalto the hot work apparatus 12, such as a switch, relay, solenoid valve orother suitable device of the hot work apparatus 12, which terminates thehot work and/or causes the hot work apparatus to shut down; and/or thecontroller 88 can then transmit an output signal to the blower assembly25, which causes the transfer of air from the exterior of the enclosure10 to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 to be stopped, such as byshutting down the blower 26 of the blower assembly 25 and/or closing theshut off valve of the blower assembly 25. The controller 88 can includea display screen which can display information, such as the status ofthe detectors or other components that are in communication with thecontroller 88. The display screen can be within the interior 14 of theenclosure 10, or can be exterior of the enclosure. In an embodiment, afirst display screen of the controller 88 can be attached to the housing38 and a second display screen of the controller 88 can be locatedwithin the interior 14 of the enclosure 10. The first and/or seconddisplay screen can be in communication, such as by wired or wirelesscommunication, with the controller 88. In an embodiment, the displayscreen can be a model TP 270 touch screen display produced by SIEMENS.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , detectors 86, 96 and/or 98 can be isolatedfrom controller 88 and the hot work apparatus 12, and can be incommunication with the blower assembly 25, such as a switch, relay,solenoid valve or other suitable device of the blower assembly 25. Inthe embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 , detectors 86, 96 and 98 are indirect communication with the blower assembly 25. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 5 , detectors 86, 96 and 98 are in communication withthe blower assembly 25 by being in communication with a secondcontroller 100, which is itself in communication with the blowerassembly 25. In an embodiment, the second controller 100 can be of asimilar or identical type as controller 88. In an embodiment, detectinga condition such as combustible gas, carbon monoxide and/or oxygenentering the enclosure 10 can be accomplished by shutting down theblower assembly 25 in response to one or more of detectors 86, 96 and 98detecting a condition, and then by detecting the resulting pressure dropin the atmosphere within the enclosure 10 so as to detect a conditionentering the enclosure 10.

An alarm 94 such as a visual and/or audio alarm, can also be incommunication with the detectors, the controller 88 and/or the secondcontroller 100, and can be triggered in response to a signal receivedfrom the detectors, the controller 88 and/or the second controller 100.

Oxygen and/or carbon monoxide detectors 64, 70, and 76 can be incommunication with the hot work apparatus 12, the blower assembly 25,the controller 88, the second controller 100 and/or the alarm 94.Additionally, pressure detectors 66, 72, and 78 and/or any otherdetectors can be in communication with the hot work apparatus 12, theblower assembly 25, the controller 88, the second controller 100 and/orthe alarm 94.

An interior manual shut down switch 90 and/or an exterior manualshutdown switch 92 can be connected to the hot work apparatus 12, theblower assembly 25, the controller 88, the second controller 100 and/orthe alarm 94. The interior manual shut down switch 90 and/or theexterior manual shutdown switch 92 can be devices such as a switch,button, lever, knob, toggle or any other device that, when triggered,can shut down the hot work apparatus 12, activate the alarm 94 and/orshut down the blower assembly 25. The interior manual shut down switch90 and/or an exterior manual shutdown switch 92 can be triggered by auser, such as one or more persons designated as a firewatch, who iswithin the enclosure 10 and/or exterior of the enclosure 10. One or moreadditional manual shut down switches can be located within the interiorof the enclosure 10 and/or exterior to the enclosure 10.

As used herein, the detectors, controller 88, second controller 100,interior manual shut down switch 90 and/or exterior manual shut downswitch 92 are in communication with the hot work apparatus 12, theblower assembly 25 and/or the alarm 94 if a signal generated by thedetectors, controller 88, second controller 100, interior manual shutdown switch 90 and/or exterior manual shut down switch 92 results interminating the hot work, stopping the transfer of air from the exteriorof the enclosure 10 to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 and/oractivates the alarm 94.

In an embodiment, the housing inlet aperture 40 of two or more housings38 can be placed adjacent to apertures in the sides of the enclosure 10at various locations. For example, the housing inlet aperture 40 of afirst housing 38 can be placed adjacent to an aperture near the ceiling16 of the enclosure 10, so as to detect combustible gases for examplethat are lighter than air. The housing inlet aperture 40 of a secondhousing 38 can be placed adjacent to an aperture near the floor 18 ofthe enclosure 10, so as to detect combustible gases for example that areheavier than air.

Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the distancebetween the housing 38 and the enclosure 10, such as the distancebetween the housing inlet aperture 40 and outlet aperture 34, can be adistance that can maintain a positive pressure atmosphere within theenclosure 10 and/or can maintain a positive pressure atmosphere withinthe housing 38. When air is being transferred from the exterior of theenclosure 10 to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10, such as by blowerassembly 25, the pressure level of the positive pressure atmospherewithin the enclosure 10 and the housing 38 can be reduced by increasingthe distance between the housing 38 and the enclosure 10. The pressurelevel of the positive pressure atmosphere within the enclosure 10 andthe housing 38 can be increased by decreasing the distance between thehousing 38 and the enclosure 10. In an embodiment, the distance betweenthe housing 38 and the enclosure can be fractions of a centimeter. Thedistance between the housing 38 and the enclosure 10 can also be variedas described above so that all or substantially all of the air thatenters the housing 38 is air that has been transferred from the interior14 of the enclosure 10.

In an embodiment, the enclosure 10 can also have an entry way, such as adoor, that can allow a person to enter and exit the enclosure 10. Theentry way can include an air lock that can allow a person to enter andexit the enclosure 10 with little or no pressure drop in the positivepressure atmosphere within the enclosure 10. The air lock can be aseparate chamber from the enclosure 10 and can have a conduitinterconnecting the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 and the interior ofthe air lock. The conduit can have a valve that can be opened or closedto allow the pressure differential between the interior 14 of theenclosure 10 and the interior of the air lock to be equalized. In anembodiment, blower assembly 25 can be in fluid communication with theinterior of the air lock, such as by a second duct, and can create apositive pressure atmosphere within the air lock. In an embodiment, asecond blower assembly can be in fluid communication with the interiorof the air lock, and can create a positive pressure atmosphere withinthe air lock. When a person enters the air lock from the exterior ofenclosure 10 and closes an exterior door of the air lock, a short periodof time will elapse while the pressure in the air lock increases to apressure level equal to or greater than the pressure level inside of theenclosure 10. Once this condition occurs, the person can then open thedoor to enclosure and enter enclosure 10 without causing a pressure dropwithin enclosure 10, thereby causing a spurious shut down of hot workwithin the enclosure 10. Likewise, a person exiting enclosure 10 canenter the air lock and close the door to the enclosure 10 before openingthe exterior door of the air lock to exit the air lock, therebypreventing a spurious shutdown of hot work operations. In an embodiment,pressure detectors can detect the level of pressure within the air lockand can allow for the pressure differential between the interior of theair lock and the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 to be determined and/ordisplayed to a person entering or exiting the enclosure 10.

In operation of an embodiment, enclosure 10 can be formed at a locationwhere hot work will be conducted within the enclosure 10. Blowerassembly 25 can be activated to transfer air from the exterior of theenclosure 10 to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 and produce apositive pressure atmosphere within the enclosure 10. Once a positivepressure atmosphere is produced within the enclosure 10, hot work can beconducted within the enclosure 10. The positive pressure atmospherewithin the enclosure can cause air to be transferred from the interior14 of the enclosure 10 to the exterior of the enclosure, and into theinterior 42 of housing 38. The air transferred from the interior 14 ofthe enclosure 10 to the interior 42 of the housing 38 can then besampled by detectors 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 and/or 72 for the presence of acondition, such as a level of combustible gas, oxygen and/or pressure.The positive pressure atmosphere within the housing 38 can then causethe air to be transferred from the interior 42 of the housing 38 to theexterior of the housing 38 through damper 54. If detectors 62, 64, 66,68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 86, 96 and/or 98 detects the presence of acondition, one or more of the detectors can generate a signal whichresults in hot work within the enclosure 10 and/or the transfer of airfrom the exterior of the enclosure 10 to the interior 14 of theenclosure being automatically terminated. A person can then view adisplay screen of the controller 88 to determine the cause of theautomatic shut down. Once the cause of the automatic shut down has beendetermined and remedied, the above process can be repeated.

In an embodiment, a first person, such as a firewatch, can be outside ofthe enclosure 10 and can have fire-fighting equipment, a radio and acombustible gas detector. The first person can monitor the enclosureand/or other components described herein for at least half an hour priorto, during and at least half an hour after hot work is conducted withinthe enclosure 10. The first person can also terminate the hot workwithin the enclosure 10 by activating the exterior manual shut downswitch 92. In an embodiment, the hot work can be conducted on aproduction platform, and the first person can be in close proximity toan emergency shut down station of the production platform. The firstperson can activate the emergency shut down station, which can terminateoperations on the production platform as well as terminate the hot workwithin the enclosure 10. A second person, such as a firewatch, can beinside of the enclosure 10 and can monitor the level of combustible gas,the level of oxygen and/or other gases within the enclosure 10. Thesecond person can terminate the hot work within the enclosure 10 byactivating the interior manual shut down switch 90. Lights and a radiocan be located within the enclosure 10 and can have an independent powersource that allows the lights and radio to function even if power to theenclosure 10 is shut down. A fire extinguisher, such as a 30 pound(13.61 kilogram) fire extinguisher, can also be located within theenclosure 10. Prior to conducting hot work within the enclosure 10, thedetectors can be calibrated and/or drills can be conducted to determinewhether the methods and apparatuses described herein are functioningproperly.

Referring to FIG. 4 , combustible gas detector 86, carbon monoxidedetector 96, oxygen detector 98 and blower assembly 25 are incommunication with controller 88. In response to one or more ofdetectors 86, 96 and 98 detecting a condition, such as detector 86detecting a level of combustible gas in or near to a source of air beingtransferred from the exterior of the enclosure to the interior of theenclosure by blower assembly 25, combustible gas detector 86 cangenerate a signal which is transmitted to controller 88. The controller88 can then stop the transfer of air from the exterior of the enclosureto the interior of the enclosure, such as by sending a signal to blowerassembly 25 which causes the blower assembly 25 to shut down. As opposedto each of detectors 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 86, 96and/or 98 being in communication with the controller 88 (as shown inFIG. 4 ), one or more of the detectors can be isolated from thecontroller 88, and can be in communication with the hot work apparatus12, the blower assembly 25, the second controller 100 and/or the alarm94.

An embodiment is a method of detecting a condition such as a combustiblegas entering the enclosure 10 by detecting a pressure drop in theatmosphere within the enclosure 10. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 ,combustible gas detector 86, carbon monoxide detector 96 and oxygendetector 98 are in communication with blower assembly 25. The detectors86, 96 and 98, and the blower assembly 25 are isolated from thecontroller 88 and the hot work apparatus 12. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 ,pressure detectors 66, 72 and 78 are in communication with thecontroller 88. Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , in an embodiment,detecting a condition such as a combustible gas entering the enclosure10 by detecting a pressure drop in the atmosphere within the enclosure10 can be accomplished by: transferring air from the exterior of theenclosure 10 to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10, such as by blowerassembly 25; detecting a level of combustible gas in or near to a sourceof the air transferred from the exterior of the enclosure 10 to theinterior 14 of the enclosure 10, such as by combustible gas detector 86;stopping the transferring of air from the exterior of the enclosure 10to the interior 14 of the enclosure 10 in response to the detecting alevel of combustible gas, such as by combustible gas detector 86generating a signal which results in blower assembly 25 shutting down;and detecting a pressure drop in the atmosphere within the enclosure 10so as to detect a combustible gas entering the enclosure 10, such as bypressure detectors 66, 72 and/or 78. Since detecting a pressure drop inthe atmosphere within the enclosure 10 can indicate that a combustiblegas is entering the enclosure 10, the above method can allow for thedetection a combustible gas entering the enclosure 10 by detecting apressure drop in the atmosphere within the enclosure 10. In anembodiment, in response to detecting a pressure drop in the atmospherewithin the enclosure 10, one or more of the pressure detectors can senda signal to the controller 88. In response to receiving the signal fromone or more of the pressure detectors, the controller 88 can indicatethat combustible gas was detected entering the enclosure 10 bydisplaying a message on a display screen of the controller 88. In anembodiment, the entry way of the enclosure 10 can include an air lock,such as the air lock described above, that can reduce or eliminate thechance that the controller 88 incorrectly indicates that combustible gaswas detected entering the enclosure 10. Further, hot work beingconducted within the enclosure 10 can be terminated in response to thedetecting a pressure drop in the atmosphere within the enclosure 10,such as by one or more of the pressure detectors generating a signalthat results in the hot work being terminated. Although the above methodcan allow for the detection of a condition, such as a combustible gas,entering the enclosure 10 by detecting a pressure drop in the atmospherewithin the enclosure 10, a pressure drop in the atmosphere within theenclosure 10 can also be caused by circumstances other than detection ofa condition entering the enclosure. For example, the blower assembly 25could malfunction and shut down, or an opening could be formed in thesides of the enclosure 10 that caused the interior 14 of the enclosure10 to depressurize; in such a circumstance detecting a pressure drop inthe atmosphere within the enclosure 10 would not be detecting acondition entering the enclosure 10.

The embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are exemplaryof numerous embodiments that may be made within the scope of theappended claims. It is contemplated that numerous other configurationsmay be used, and the material of each component may be selected fromnumerous materials other than those specifically disclosed. In short, itis the applicant's intention that the scope of the patent issuingherefrom will be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for conducting hot work comprising: a. anenclosure; b. a hot work apparatus operable within said enclosure; andc. a detector located exterior of said enclosure, said detector being indetecting communication with an interior of said enclosure, such thatsaid detector detects the presence of a condition within said enclosure.2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said hot work apparatus is shut downin response to said detector detecting the presence of a predeterminedcondition within said enclosure.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a housing located adjacent to said enclosure, the interior ofsaid housing being fluidly connected to the interior of said enclosure,said detector being fluidly connected to the interior of said housing.4. The apparatus of claim 3 further comprising a gap between saidhousing and said enclosure.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein saidhousing is not in contact with said enclosure.
 6. The apparatus of claim3 wherein said housing is portable.
 7. The apparatus of claim 3 furthercomprising a stand attached to said housing.
 8. The apparatus of claim 3further comprising a damper attached to said housing.
 9. The apparatusof claim 3 wherein said detector comprises a first combustible gasdetector.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: a. an oxygendetector fluidly connected to the interior of said housing; and b. apressure detector fluidly connected to the interior of said housing. 11.The apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one of said first combustiblegas detector, said oxygen detector and said pressure detector is locatedexterior of said housing.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 furthercomprising: a. a blower assembly in fluid communication with theinterior of said enclosure; b. a second combustible gas detector locatedso as to detect the presence of a combustible gas in or near to an airintake of said blower assembly; c. a manual shutdown switch locatedwithin said enclosure; and d. a controller in communication with saidfirst combustible gas detector, said second combustible gas detector,said oxygen detector, said pressure detector and said manual shutdownswitch, said controller being in communication with said hot workapparatus and capable of controlling the operation of said hot workapparatus in response to a signal received from at least one of saidfirst combustible gas detector, said second combustible gas detector,said oxygen detector, said pressure detector and said manual shutdownswitch.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said hot work apparatuscomprises a welding apparatus.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising an aperture extending from the interior of said enclosure toan exterior of said enclosure, said detector being fluidly connected tothe interior of said enclosure through said aperture.
 15. The apparatusof claim 14 further comprising a conduit between said aperture and saiddetector.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a blowerassembly in fluid communication with the interior of said enclosure. 17.The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a positive pressureatmosphere within said enclosure.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a second detector for detecting a condition exterior saidenclosure.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said detector comprisesa combustible gas detector.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein saidcombustible gas detector is fluidly connected to the interior of saidenclosure.
 21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said combustible gasdetector is in light communication with the interior of said enclosure.22. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said combustible gas detector isin infrared light communication with the interior of said enclosure. 23.The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said combustible gas detector is inlight communication with air transferred from the interior of saidenclosure to an exterior of said enclosure.
 24. The apparatus of claim19 wherein said combustible gas detector is in infrared lightcommunication with air transferred from the interior of said enclosureto an exterior of said enclosure.
 25. An apparatus for conducting hotwork comprising: a. an enclosure; b. a blower assembly in fluidcommunication with an interior of said enclosure; and c. a means fordetecting the presence of combustible gas that is within said enclosureby sampling air that is not within said enclosure.
 26. The apparatus ofclaim 25 wherein said air that is not within said enclosure has beentransferred from the interior of said enclosure.
 27. The apparatus ofclaim 26 further comprising a welding apparatus operable within saidenclosure.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27 further comprising a positivepressure atmosphere within said enclosure.
 29. The apparatus of claim 27wherein said means for detecting the presence of combustible gas that iswithin said enclosure by sampling air that is not within said enclosurecomprises a combustible gas detector located exterior of said enclosure.30. An apparatus for conducting hot work comprising: a. an enclosure; b.a first combustible gas detector for detecting combustible gas withinsaid enclosure; c. an oxygen detector for detecting oxygen within saidenclosure; and d. a pressure detector for detecting pressure within saidenclosure, at least one of said first combustible gas detector, saidoxygen detector and said pressure detector being located exterior ofsaid enclosure.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30 further comprising: a. ablower assembly in fluid communication with an interior of saidenclosure; b. a second combustible gas detector located so as to detectthe presence of a combustible gas in or near to an air intake of saidblower assembly; c. a welding apparatus operable within said enclosure,the operation of said welding apparatus being controllable in responseto a signal generated by at least one of said first combustible gasdetector, said second combustible gas detector, said oxygen detector andsaid pressure detector.